The Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) has begun testing juice production at the rejuvenated Benfruits Industry, a project revived under the leadership of Benue State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
The milestone was achieved on Wednesday with a successful test run at the factory located in the Industrial Layout of Makurdi, where the first batch of juice was produced.
After sampling the product, BIPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Raymond Asemakaha, CFA, expressed his excitement and praised Governor Alia for restoring life to the once-abandoned company.
“Today is one of the happiest days of my life. This company had been left idle for years, but we have successfully brought it back to life,” Dr. Asemakaha remarked.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring Benue farmers gain maximum value from their produce, stating that when full operations begin, all oranges harvested in the state will be processed locally.
“Our goal is to ensure that farmers get full value for their oranges and other crops. This plant will reduce post-harvest losses, create employment, boost farmers’ earnings, increase government revenue, and contribute to the state’s GDP,” he said.
Dr. Asemakaha also revealed that the facility will produce essential oils for pharmaceutical use and organic fertilizer from orange residues, ensuring that no part of the fruit is wasted.
He extended appreciation to the company’s partners, SONO Group, Lead Technician Engr. Henry Boager, and the BIPC management and staff for their dedication to making the project a success.
Engr. Boager noted that the factory is capable of producing up to four tons of juice per hour, emphasizing that the project will eliminate post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ returns.
A local farmer, Mr. Wilfred Gbatsoron, thanked Governor Alia and the BIPC team for creating a reliable market for their produce.
“Previously, our oranges went to waste, but now we have a ready buyer. We plan to expand our farms to increase supply,” he stated.
The Benfruits revival is among several industrial resuscitation projects launched by the Alia administration to drive agro-industrial development and strengthen Benue State’s economy.
